Manchester Metropolis have suffered an damage setback forward of the weekend, with Jeremy Doku dominated out for the following few weeks after choosing up an issue of their 2-0 win over Galatasaray, simply because the Gunners transfer nearer to a clear invoice of well being.
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Arsenal head into the weekend , a pointy distinction to the primary half of the season when accidents pilled up.
They’ve a four-point lead over Manchester Metropolis, with the Gunners travelling to Leeds United whereas Metropolis face Tottenham Hotspur on Tremendous Sunday.
Talking forward of the weekend, Metropolis assistant coach Pep Lijnders, deputising for Pep Guardiola, who was unavailable for private causes, confirmed the extent of Doku’s damage.
“I’ve to say initially to Jeremy, I’ve to make a giant praise how he performed [against Galatasaray],” Lijnders .
“As a result of a prime group is outlined by particular person high quality of our entrance gamers and the way he was between the traces to assault and first help to Erling was unbelievable.
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“Sorry he went out and its much like final damage. Solely that point it was lateral, this one is on the centre. it was 18 days. I feel this time it is going to be a bit of bit shorter as he’s a sturdy participant.”
Doku has three objectives and11 assists this season for Metropolis, and that final damage stored him out for 5 matches. He solely returned a month in the past.
Lijnders additionally confirmed that Rúben Dias is about to return to coaching on Monday after being absent for the reason that begin of the brand new 12 months.
Metropolis stay with out Joško Gvardiol, Matteo Kovačić, John Stones and Sávio, though they can welcome Marc Guéhi and Antoine Semenyo again into the squad after the pair had been ineligible for the ultimate league match of the Champions League.
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Oscar Bobb, who’s out with a hamstring drawback anyway, has now accomplished a £27m transfer to Fulham that additionally accommodates a 20% sell-on clause.
The contrasting damage conditions underline Arsenal’s improved place as they strategy a vital stage of the season on the prime of all of the leagues, whereas their closest rivals take care of one other disruption to their squad.
After Tottenham, Metropolis face Newcastle within the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg, earlier than travelling to Anfield within the Premier League. To see out the following two weeks when they are going to be with out Doku, in addition they welcome Fulham to the Etihad and maybe Salford within the FA Cup on Valentine’s Day.